Pyloric Stenosis in its infant and adult forms has left many people with unexpected and unwanted complications and unanswered questions. Here is some of what two survivors have learnt, supported by the experiences and discoveries of our readers.

Tag: short-term problems

Having your new baby go through surgery, however “minor” in the eyes of the medical world, is always harrowing for the parents. Those who have written about this will almost always say it was their most traumatic time ever, and some continue to suffer post-traumatic stress.

Remember that this surgery almost always follows a period of your infant being sick and steadily losing condition, followed by what may be a deeply upsetting period of doctor visits, medical tests, specialist consultations, and typical hospital admission procedures – with baby’s condition steadily going downhill…

Remember also that doctors are human: far too many treat their fragile patients and parents poorly, and diagnosis is too often avoided or faulty, too often ending only at a near-terminal crisis. All this adds to the stress and strain.

Add to this that surgery for infant pyloric stenosis (“PS”) surgery is often promised to be a “quick fix”. Although many of these little patients do recover promptly and quickly more than catch up on their weight loss, other PS babies take months or even years to find their balance – and some few never do.

Add to this that many surgeons seem to regard their responsibilities as ending when they leave the operating room, and that many GPs simply don’t engage with parents who have a baby with a feeding problem.

Tinnin, Dr Louis – Infant Surgery without Anesthesia
The late Dr Louis Tinnin’s Clinic in the USA has provided information, support and therapy for people who carry PTSD after infant surgery. His Blog provides a helpful primer, a checklist, and interaction with survivors.